Seeing the ball isn’t always easy

After a trip for my annual eye checkup, I began to wonder if most golfers realize how important their glasses can be to playing good golf.  We see quite a few professionals wearing sunglasses now, which used to be very rare.

About four years ago I was told by the Doctor I needed bifocals.  I had them made and the first time I went to hit a golf ball, I couldn't find it.  When I had my head in the correct position, the ball was in the bifocal and was out of focus.  Frankly, it was more than out of focus, it wasn’t where it was suppose to be.  I found myself hunching over with my chin being tucked into my chest, so I didn’t have to look through the bifocal.  Needless to say, my swing wasn’t the same, nor was my shot. 

I went to an optical store and they suggested either getting a pair of glasses without the bifocal, or a pair with a small bifocal placed in the upper outside corner.  The reason for the small bifocal is so you can read the scorecard, or anything else that requires a bifocal.  The bifocal is much smaller than when it is at the bottom of the lens.  I opted for the pair without the bifocal and have regretted it every since.  I haven’t missed reading the scorecards, Lord knows I don’t need to be reminded of my score, but I can’t read the yardage books.  When we play European courses they don’t have the yardage markers on the course as we do here, so reading the yardage book is a must.

Well, this last trip to the Eye Doctor confirmed I have a problem with seeing at a distance of 3 to 4 feet, or in other words, I need trifocals.  This getting old is hell!  Before the Doctor could even finish I was asking how this would effect my golf.  His answer was, there would be no effect.  The distance to the ball was not effected, so my golfing glasses would not need changed.  That was some relief.  I was actually hoping there was a problem.  I needed an excuse for my slow start this year, but no mercy there.

No one I talked to discouraged the wearing of sunglasses on the course.  If you want to wear sunglasses, eye care experts suggest glasses that wrap around the side of the eye.  This will prevent glare on the lens from a sun angle coming from the back and side. I think we will continue to see more and more individuals protecting their eyes with sunglasses while they play golf.

Eyewear can be a very important piece of equipment.  It doesn't make much difference how well adjusted your golf clubs are if you can't see the ball.

Just a reminder, October and November are great months to have your clubs checked and prepared for next season.  A qualified Custom Clubmaker can check your lie angle and lofts to see if they are correct.  The grips can be changed, so they are ready for that winter getaway trip.  It is a great time to have your swing checked, since most of us are swinging our best at the end of the season. 

We at Pat Ryan Golf hope you had a wonderful summer of golf, and if you are like us, you are already looking forward to next season.  Take care this winter.  If you want to talk golf, stop in here at Pat Ryan Golf.  If you're looking for a game, stop by The Bunker.